Chiellini To Miss Champions League Final vs. Barcelona

Giorgio Chiellini will miss Saturday’s Champions League final against Barcelona because of injury, Juventus have announced.

Juve released a statement on Thursday which confirmed that Chiellini missed the morning’s training session due to a calf problem which will keep him out of the final in Berlin.

“The Bianconeri were in Vinovo this morning, running through their final Champions League preparations on Italian soil before departing for Berlin tomorrow.

“As the clock ticks down to Saturday’s showpiece event at the Olympiastadion, Massimiliano Allegri’s men focused on tactics at Juventus Center.

“Missing out was Giorgio Chiellini, who underwent tests after reporting discomfort in his calf on Wednesday.

“The scan revealed a first grade tear of the soleus muscle in his left leg, meaning the defender will miss Saturday’s final with Barcelona.”

The news is a huge blow to Juve, for whom Chiellini has played a key role this season.

Allegri’s side have already won the Serie A title and Coppa Italia, meaning victory on Saturday would not only land the club their first Champions League title since 1996 but also their first-ever Treble.

Chiellini could be replaced in the heart of Juve’s defence by Andrea Barzagli, although Barzagli is battling to recover in time after tearing a thigh muscle last month.

La Repubblica reported that he would be fit to play alongside Leonardo Bonucci, but Angelo Ogbonna remains another option for Allegri.